Exam 7: Modernism and Its Effect: 1885-1960

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The symbolists and expressionists were focused on expressing the inner emotions and subconscious thoughts of the individual. They sought to convey a sense of mystery and the unknown through their art, often using symbols and metaphors to represent deeper meanings. Their goal was to evoke a strong emotional response from the viewer or reader, and they often used unconventional or abstract means to achieve this.

On the other hand, the realists were more concerned with depicting the world as it is, often focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people. Their philosophy was rooted in the idea of representing reality as accurately and objectively as possible, without embellishment or idealization. Their goal was to provide a truthful and unfiltered portrayal of the world around them, often using straightforward and direct means to achieve this.

In terms of which movement is the most worthwhile, it ultimately depends on the individual's personal preferences and values. Some may find the emotional depth and introspective nature of the symbolists and expressionists to be more meaningful and impactful, while others may appreciate the honesty and relatability of the realists' work. Both movements have their own unique strengths and contributions to the art world, and it is important to recognize and appreciate the diversity of artistic expression. Ultimately, the most worthwhile movement is the one that resonates with the individual and speaks to their own experiences and understanding of the world.

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Bertolt Brecht's concept of "alienation" (or Verfremdungseffekt in German) is a key element of his epic theatre style. He believed that traditional theatre, with its emphasis on emotional identification and escapism, prevented audiences from critically engaging with the social and political issues being presented. Instead, Brecht sought to create a sense of distance or estrangement between the audience and the action on stage, in order to encourage them to think critically about the themes and ideas being explored.

Brecht used a variety of methods to achieve this alienation effect. One of the most well-known techniques is the use of direct address, where actors break the fourth wall and speak directly to the audience. This disrupts the illusion of reality and reminds the audience that they are watching a performance.

Another method is the use of placards or projections to provide commentary or context for the action on stage. This interrupts the flow of the narrative and encourages the audience to consider the broader social and political implications of the story.

Brecht also employed a technique known as "gestus," where actors would adopt exaggerated physical gestures and expressions to convey the social and political attitudes of their characters. This served to distance the audience from the characters and encourage them to analyze the underlying ideologies at play.

Additionally, Brecht used non-naturalistic set design and lighting to create a sense of artificiality and remind the audience that they are watching a constructed performance rather than reality.

Overall, Brecht's concept of alienation was a deliberate strategy to disrupt traditional theatrical conventions and encourage audiences to engage critically with the themes and ideas being presented on stage. By creating a sense of distance and estrangement, Brecht aimed to provoke thought and reflection rather than emotional identification.